Summer Health Tips
Health problems that are more common in the summer include food poisoning, bites and contact dermatitis.
Picnics and barbeques can be sources of salmonella poisoning secondary to both improper outdoor storage of foods and inadequate cooking. Be sure to properly chill foods and maintain cold packs on items like potato salad both during transport and while out on the picnic table. Definitely do not serve rare beef and make sure chicken is cooked thoroughly.
Using an insect repellent and wearing longer clothing can reduce bites from insects and ticks. Infants under a year should not have repellents put directly on the skin due to issues of absorption through the skin or ingestion off the skin. However use of insect sprays on clothing and the outside of the infant carrier is safe.
Contact dermatitis is inflammation of the skin due to contact with a foreign substance. The substance might be a plant (poison ivy) or chemical (hot tub and pool sanitizers) or rubber (underwater goggles). The chances of dermatitis are reduced by good fresh water washing at days end to remove these irritants.
Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease is caused by the bite of a tick. Daily inspection of your child for ticks is the best way to avoid Lyme disease. Transmission of Lyme disease takes 48 to 72 hours so early detection is the best cure.
Summer Safety Tips
Skin safety in the summer is very important. The association of skin cancer with excessive sun exposure and sunburns is well established. Sunscreens (30 SPF or higher) are recommended.
Until recently, sunscreen was not recommended for children under 6 months. But the American Academy of Pediatrics now approves of its use on infants in limited amounts. We believe that the first line of defense against sunburns in young babies is protection by shade or by clothing; use brimmed or wide-rimmed hats, lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants for protection from the sun. If sun is unavoidable, use sunscreen in limited amounts.
For children over 6 months, it is wise to apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before exposure to the sun. Then reapply the sunscreen every three or four hours and after swimming. Protection by hats and lightweight clothing is also a good idea.
Dehydration is a greater factor in summer due to increased fluid loss in hot weather. Be sure to encourage water or juice intake especially when children are outdoors playing and spending time at picnics and beach parties. Also be prepared for a breakdown on the highway by leaving some juice or water in the trunk of the car for emergencies. Road service can take a few hours and children's fluid reserves are limited.
Physical Exams for School
From age 3 through 18, we recommend that your child have an annual physical exam, also called a well visit or check-up.
Schools and summer camps usually require a report of your child's most recent physical exam and immunization status. The physical exam should have been done within the last 12 months. You can request this report, or health form, at the time of your child's check-up. We urge you to make several copies of this report for your use during the year. You can also request a health form by clicking here.
